Loren J. 'Curly' Busek

CHARLO — Longtime Montana resident Loren J. (Curly) Busek, 83, of Charlo died on Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, at the St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan surrounded by family members.

Curly was born May 18, 1923, the eldest of four brothers to John and Lila (Steen) Busek at Columbus, N.D. He attended school in North Dakota, completing his education in Glasgow. He and LaVon (Teddy) Caufield were married in Great Falls on Nov. 22, 1943.

During World War II, he worked in the shipyards in Seattle. Returning to Great Falls, he established his own trucking business. He later retired from Montana Sand & Gravel. He was a member of an antique car club and enjoyed driving his cars in parades and other events.

After living in Great Falls for 50 years, he and his wife moved to Charlo 13 years ago to be close to their daughter Darlene and her family. Except for the last couple of years, they spent the last 20 years as snowbirds, wintering in Yuma, Ariz. There they enjoyed plenty of sun, visiting with their son Rick, family and friends.

Curly was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Preceding him in death were his mother and father and brothers, Stan and Jack Busek.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, LaVon; daughter Darlene (Joe) Geldrich of Charlo; son, Rick Busek of Yuma; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; brother Ken of Port Orchard, Wash., and many nieces and nephews who will dearly miss their Uncle Curly.

A graveside service was held Dec. 10 at the Ronan Cemetery.